Demonstrated Policy Influence Nationally and in States

In recent years there have been important policy victories for youth in and formerly in foster care. We helped create the political momentum that resulted in landmark, bipartisan federal legislation, the 2008 Fostering Connections Act, which paves the way for states to take on significant and far-reaching reform. To go to the Fostering Connections resource page, click here.

However, even with the federal framework in place, states have not implemented the changes needed to truly improve the lives of youth transitioning out of foster care. In the 13 states in which the Jim Casey Initiative now operates, we are working hand-in-hand with government and community agencies, local leaders, and the youth themselves to demonstrate what these reforms look like and how they can take root. We have brought youth to the table, provided policy makers with critical data to drive decisions, and been routinely viewed as the national leader and authoritative expert on this issue.

The Jim Casey Initiative is routinely the first place that legislators and practitioners turn for advice on how best to serve this population. This national credibility has allowed us to be a sustained force in states even as administrations and political parties have changed.

As a leader in the field, we have worked in close partnership with other recognized leaders – such as the National Governors Association and National Council of State Legislators – to expand public knowledge of the issues faced by youth transitioning out of foster care.

To date, we have brought our track record of success to 13 states in a range of political and fiscal environments, many of them challenging. From this we have learned how to identify the conditions needed for success. We have been working in eight of our 13 states for more than five years. Examples of our policy influence in these states include:

• Two states have passed legislation that implements the federal option to extend foster care from age 18 to 21.
• Seven states have extended Medicaid coverage for young people age 18 to 21 who have left foster care.
• Four states have expanded postsecondary education opportunities through tuition waivers for young
• people who have aged out of foster care.
• Two states have statuatory or regulatory policies on sibling rights visitation for young people in foster care.
• Five states have included state-of-the-art permanency efforts in their legislation and policy.
• Five states have increased young people’s participation in the court proceedings that decide their future.